Nintendo Switch 2: Specs - How Powerful Is The New Switch?

Nintendo Switch 2 represents a sizeable jump over its predecessor in pure tech terms and is able to punch well above its weight with features such as, HDR lighting, support for up to 120fps, 4K output via the dock, and up to 1080p on its handheld screen.

In this guide, we look at Nintendo Switch 2 technical specifications, including Switch 2 power, Switch 2 CPU/GPU, and how the new console compares to the old Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2 Tech Specs

Here are the full tech specs as outlined by Nintendo:

Additionally, Nvidia confirmed in a blog post that Switch 2 supports DLSS upscaling, ray tracing and Variable Refresh Rate using Nvidia's G-SYNC tech.

How much more powerful is Switch 2 compared to Switch 1?

Nvidia claims that Switch 2 has "10x the graphics performance" of the original Switch.

Digital Foundry has looked into the power of the new chip and have approximated that the CPU clocks at 998MHz in docked mode, and 1101MHz in handheld (based on estimated from a close mobile competent).

Nintendo Switch 2 Edition games like the upgraded Zelda: Breath of the Wild help to demonstrate the smoother gameplay and higher resolution of the newer console in comparison, too. Switch 2 won't ever match the performance and visuals possible on harder, non-portable consoles, but it still packs a punch.

Of course, that means it needs a battery to prop all of that up, and the Switch 2 does come with a better one. Have a look at our Battery Life guide to see how the Switch 2 compares to previous Switch consoles and the Steam Deck.

Switch 2 Specs FAQ

Here is a selection of common Nintendo Switch 2 specs questions that people also ask:

Is Switch 2 as powerful as a PlayStation 5 / Xbox Series X?

No, the smaller form factor and components needed to make a handheld console to rival the power of Sony and Microsoft's flagship home consoles would make that console prohibitively expensive for most of us.

However, big games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring are getting Switch 2 ports, so we can expect to see a big jump in what's possible on the new hardware, despite it not being able to hit the power output of the big boxes.

As a rough guide, thinking of Switch 2 as a PS4 Pro+ will get you in the ballpark. In some ways it's arguably more powerful, though its size comes with caveats in other areas.

What about the Steam Deck?

This one's a little closer, and going by rumours, the difference in power between Steam Deck and Switch 2 will be pretty small.

Steam Deck uses a Zen 2 processor, and the custom T239 processor is reportedly a bit faster. However, the smaller memory on the Switch 2 means it'll actually be pretty similar.

Will Nintendo release a more powerful Switch 2?

It's impossible to say at this stage, although we'd put money on an OLED edition releasing in a few years' time.

Can Switch 2 play [insert super graphically intensive game from other consoles here]?

As we mentioned, games like Cyberpunk stretched other consoles to breaking point, so seeing them run on Switch 2 is impressive.

At this point, Switch should be able to handle most things being released if they're cleverly optimised - and with the same caveats we've grown familiar with with Switch over the years.

Expecting PS5-level performance would be silly, but Switch 2's power will put it in the conversation when devs are deciding platforms.

Can Switch 2 run Crysis?

Well, Switch ran Crysis and Switch 2 is backwards compatible. So yes!

Hopefully, this guide has been helpful. If you're after more Nintendo Switch 2 advice, check out our Switch 2 guides for more useful info.